By Ed Lowe
Senior writer
Continuing a tradition that dates back to its 1919-20 season, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has announced its annual Youth Auditions. Applications for auditions are being accepted from young pianists who were born between Jan. 1, 1986, and December 31, 1989.
The awards will take place on the Symphony Center’s Armour Stage on March 8 of this year. Students applying may not have completed the junior year in high school and must be legal residents of the State of Illinois. The winner will appear in concert with the CSO during the 2003-04 season.
These auditions are now officially titled the Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Chicago Symphony Youth Auditions. On alternating years, piano virtuosi and string performers have been heard by a distinguished panel of music educators. In addition to a performance opportunity with the CSO, one of the auditionees will be given a full scholarship to the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan for a summer of musical training. The auditions will be conducted in stages with the preliminary performances planned for Feb. 20 and 21.
Applications are available by phoning (312) 294-3177. Completed applications must be postmarked by Nov. 15, 2002. Last year, 36 applicants were accepted for the auditions.
Among past year winners, pianist and entertainer Liberace won in 1940, jazz great Herbie Hancock in 1952 and CSO Concertmaster Samuel Magad won the auditions in 1944. Well-known local violinist Rachel Barton won the award twice, in 1985 as a junior and in 1990 as a senior competitor. While the distinction between juniors and seniors has been eliminated, young, talented musicians are encouraged to submit their applications to the CSO.
Although this year’s auditions are limited to pianists, alternating years are devoted to string players and the CSO plans to hold auditions for percussion, woodwind and brass players in 2004. |
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